As Spain’s capital and the country’s largest city, Madrid is a must visit European destination. Book a room in one of our hotels in Madrid and you’ll have an affordable base from which to enjoy the art, architecture and amazing shopping, eating and sightseeing opportunities that this Spanish gem has to offer – all under glorious sunshine. Here are your city highlights:
Culture
Madrid is crammed with spectacular examples of art and architecture, with the Museo del Prado, the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Museo Reina Sofia making up the city’s cultural ‘Golden Triangle’ – don’t miss the stunning Picasso ‘Guernica’ at the latter. Also unmissable are the majestic Palacio Real (Royal Palace) and the breathtakingly ornate interior of the Teatro Real opera house.
Sightseeing
Those who love to shop will be spoilt for choice at both ends of the scale, from the famous El Rastro antique market to the gleaming designer boutiques of the Salamanca district. If you can stomach it you can experience a bullfight at the 20th century Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, or simply spend some time wandering ‘the old city’ district for a less controversial taste of traditional Madrid.
Family Fun
If you’re visiting Madrid as a family, you’ll find plenty for all ages to enjoy together. Football fans will want to head directly to Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, where tours are available, whereas families with a head for heights could ride the Teleferico Madrid cable car, or head to the top of the Faro de Madrid tower, for breathtaking views over the city.
You’ll also find a wealth of green spaces providing a breath of fresh air in this busy city. Why not make the most of the sunshine and take a picnic to the Parque del Oeste, where you can sit among the roses and take in views of the beautiful Palacio Real. The Jardin Botanico is another green city highlight.
Nightlife
As a cosmopolitan city, Madrid has plenty going on after dark. Try a flamenco club for a different clubbing experience – Cardamomo is a good one. The Huertas and Santa Ana district is the best for bars, with the Plaza Santa Ana square being a particular hot spot.
Food
Breakfast: Breakfast in Spain has a French feel, with flaky pastries and strong coffees on the menu. Try La Mallorquina for fat croissants eaten overlooking the central Puerto del Sol.
Lunch: What could be better for lunch in one of Spain’s sunny cities than a park picnic? Pick up some goodies at the Mercado de San Miguel and head to the Parque del Oeste to enjoy al fresco.
Tapas: Tapas is, of course, big news in Madrid, with tapas bars and restaurants on every corner. La Torre del Oro is one of the best known, and nicely central on the Plaza Mayor, or head to the Chueca area and take your pick!
Dinner: It’s traditional to linger over tapas and drinks if out for the evening, but if you fancy a proper sit down affair Madrid has an amazing array of restaurants to suit all budgets. Sobrino de Botin holds the title as the world’s oldest restaurant, and don’t forget to finish your night with the classically Spanish hot chocolate and churros dessert, available at restaurants, bars and ‘hole in the wall’ eateries city-wide.
A whirl of colour and culture, Madrid is well worth a visit. Book your Travelodge room for a bargain break in this bustling city.
